"..."As We Are and As We May Be" (by Sir Walter Besant) is the exposition of a practical philanthropist's creed, and of his hopes for the progress of his fellow-countrymen. Some of these hopes may never be realised; some he had the great happiness to see bear fruit. And for the realisation of all he spared no pains. The personal service of humanity, that in these pages he urges repeatedly on others, he was himself ever the first to give." (Book FOREWORD)

Sir Walter Besant (born August 14, 1836, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England-died June 9, 1901, London) was a novelist, philanthropist and historian. William Henry Besant was his brother, and another brother, Frank, was the husband of Annie Besant.
His works helped set in motion movements to aid the poor.